Although there are many benefits to having a Yorkshire Terrier, there are still health problems that you should be aware of. Yorkshire Terrier health problems can either be inherited, congenital or acquired. However, many of Yorkshire Terrier health problems have become a thing of the past due to continued research and selective breeding practices. By knowing about the most common Yorkshire Terrier health problems and recognizing the signs you can make sure your dog has a happy and healthy life.

One common condition suffered by the Yorkshire Terrier is portosystemic shunts. This condition causes blood to flow around the liver rather than to the liver, which prevents toxins from being removed from the body and results in serious problems. This ailment is either acquired or congenital which means that it is present at birth or develops later in life. Dogs with this condition are often small for their age and breed. Other signs of this condition include excessive drinking, frequent urination and after eating they may show signs of depression, muscular incoordination, coma and seizures.

Another of the Yorkshire Terrier health problems is hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland is found in the neck and it produces a hormone that helps to speed up metabolism. When the gland stops functioning then hypothyroidism occurs and it is one of the most common hormonal diseases in dogs.

Many of the causes for hypothyroidism are still unknown, as the only known cause is when the immune system destroys the gland. This disease typically affects middle-aged dogs. Most times the first sign will be hair loss that isn't linked to any other skin condition through testing. Other symptoms to look for include weight gain, muscle loss, lethargy and a tendency to seek heat.

Often times the signs are attributed simply to the aging process of the dog and medical care is not sought. While it is not a life threatening condition, it can severely effect the pets quality of life and reduce the their overall number of years.

The last of the most common Yorkshire Terrier health problems is renal failure. The kidneys help to clear the blood of any toxins and help conserve water if a pet isn't drinking as much as they should. If the kidneys begin to deteriorate it leads to a condition called chronic renal failure, which can lead to serious health problems for your pet. Chronic renal failure can result from a variety of inherited or acquired disorders.

The hard part is that the signs are very vague which means the condition often mimics nearly any other condition. The condition is typically found in middle-aged to older Yorkshire Terriers and the signs to consider include excessive drinking or urination, weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting or general signs that your pet is not feeling well.

If chronic renal failure is diagnosed soon enough then the progression of the disease can be slowed by dietary means. Your veterinarian will help you feed your pet a diet that has reduced protein, phosphorous and salt.